As a plastic surgeon, one of my most important roles is providing honest, transparent information to all of my patients. Questions often come up about the procedures they’re interested in, the technology I use, or the costs associated with them, and part of my job is providing thorough answers to put my patients at ease.

A question I’m almost always asked during a patient’s first breast augmentation consultation at our practices in Louisville and Lexington, KY: “How much does it cost?” While cost is always relative to the patient, I understand that part of the concern is getting a good value, while still having their surgery performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Calobrace or me.

When we give a patient a final price quote, there’s a lot that goes into that number. In particular, 5 things will make the cost vary from patient to patient.

1. Compensation for surgeon and team of staff: In addition to your surgeon, other staff will be involved with your breast augmentation process. From the friendly face who greets you at the front desk to the nurses and surgical assistants in the operating room, each individual’s compensation will affect the cost.

2. Anesthesia and anesthesiologist: Patients undergoing breast augmentation will be put under general anesthesia, which requires the anesthetic itself, as well as an anesthesiologist. The first hour of anesthesia is the most expensive, and each hour beyond (or fraction of an hour) incurs additional costs. That means patients who receive a combination of treatments will have varying anesthesia costs. This range can be determined during your consultation as we discuss the procedure and results you desire.

3. Breast implants: The implants themselves, such as the Sientra® implants we offer, have both a fixed cost and a variable cost. The latter comes from the size, shape, and material you choose. Keep in mind that your implants will last for years to come, and that they have undergone years of design, engineering, testing, and manufacturing to become approved medical devices. (While we’re on the subject, you can visit this blog post for answers to some common breast implant questions.)

4. Hospital or surgical center fees: Some plastic surgeons do not have a surgical center in-house, so their patients must visit a hospital or external surgical center for their surgery. The fees required by this third-party provider to cover aspects such as staff, utilities, and maintaining accreditation.

5. Combination of procedures: Many women will receive a breast lift, liposuction to their abdomen, flanks or back, or a tummy tuck to enhance their results. The cost of these procedures will be added to the breast augmentation, of course, but combining procedures is more cost-effective for patients than undergoing a single procedure at a time (primarily because of the anesthesia costs). And of course, patients who avoid undergoing surgery more than once achieve the aesthetic results they truly desire sooner, with less recovery time.

If cost is a primary concern for your breast augmentation — or if it’s holding you back from committing to surgery — it’s always wise to discuss your financing options with your surgeon and their administrative team. Many practices offer payment plans through third-party providers, such as Care Credit.

If you’re interested in breast augmentation and would like to learn more about your options, we would love to discuss the details with you in person. You can fill out a contact form, and we’ll reach out to you soon to answer any questions you have. You can also call us directly at (502) 899-9979.

Have you heard these terms before? It’s OK if you’re not familiar with them — not many patients are! I know there are plenty of terms I use as a plastic surgeon around our Louisville and Lexington offices that aren’t exactly household names, and that’s just fine. Patients don’t need to pass a vocabulary exam just to get exceptional care, but there are a few things I believe they should know, depending on the treatments and procedures they’re receiving. For patients who choose BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal filler treatments, for instance, one of those terms is “ExpertInjector.”

So what is an ExpertInjector, exactly? This designation is granted by an independent organization that requires a high level of training and experience. The title indicates that the provider consistently uses quality techniques for injection, placement, and maintenance of injectable treatments, whether administering BOTOX in your crow’s feet or JUVÉDERM® in your cheeks.

The ExpertInjector title is one that Dr. Calobrace and I are each proud to hold. It serves as a reminder to our patients that they will receive the highest level of quality care when visiting our practice.

Let’s look at 4 factors that make ExpertInjectors the most qualified individuals in the field and differentiate them from other providers.

Board Certification

According to the ExpertInjector website, the title is awarded only to “board-certified plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, dermatologists and oculoplastic surgeons who have demonstrated due diligence in regards to patient safety, reliable results and consumer education.” Board-certified doctors have undergone rigorous education, training, and testing to become some of the top physicians in their fields. Qualifying medical boards for ExpertInjectors include The American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Dermatology, and the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology, to name a few. A full list can be found on their website, at www.ExpertInjector.org.

Safety

Safety is paramount, both in the injectable products being used and the tools and facilities where they’re administered. Therefore, ExpertInjectors purchase only FDA-approved products that have the clinical research to support their quality. Plus, they are purchased directly from the manufacturer, so there is no risk that they have been tampered with or altered. ExpertInjectors are also prepared with the necessary products and tools to treat a patient in the rare occurrence of an adverse reaction.

Patient Education

I love educating my patients about the products and treatments they’re receiving. As an ExpertInjector, I ensure my patients are aware of the different injectable options available to them, and the benefits of each. I help them choose which product will best achieve their desired results, and I carry a diverse range of products so that all of their options are available at the time of their visit.

Training

ExpertInjectors have all received extensive training in their respective field, as well as in the injectable products they’re administering. While the physicians can’t always perform the treatment, they often have physician assistants and nurses who also have been trained in accredited injectable programs. At CaloSpa, our team is expertly trained to perform the injectable treatments, so we’re confident that our patients receive the beautiful, natural-looking results they desire.

Receiving your injectable treatment under the supervision of an ExpertInjector can help ensure your health and beauty. To help our patients prepare for all of the exciting Derby events happening around Kentucky this spring, CaloSpa is holding 2 ExpertInjector events during March, on the 17th in Lexington and the 24th in Louisville. We’ll educate patients about the options available and help them choose which products may best fit their needs. Sign up by calling our practice at (502) 814-3000 or contacting us online.

If you’re seeking a plastic surgeon or ExpertInjector but don’t live in the Louisville or Lexington area, you can find a qualified practitioner in your area by using the search tool available on each page at www.ExpertInjector.org.

With the coming of a new year, we all know losing weight, eating more healthful foods, and living a more active lifestyle often top lists of resolutions. Each of these is commendable and can provide rewarding results. Unfortunately, one thing I often hear from patients at my Kentucky plastic surgery practice is that they never realized losing a significant amount of weight could bring some unwanted aesthetic results — namely extra, loose skin around the body.

This is especially true for people who lose weight quickly through treatments such as gastric bypass. Once fat disappears, skin that once stretched to accommodate it is left loose and hanging from the midsection, limbs, breasts, and other areas. Although exercise can tone and tighten underlying muscles, surgical intervention is usually the only solution for excess skin.

With the right surgeon and treatment method, results can be natural-looking and very rewarding. Here are 5 of the most popular post-weight loss treatments we offer and how they can help patients restore confidence and comfort.

1. Tummy tuck: Tummy tucks are popular procedures for many patients who have lost weight, as well as for women following pregnancy. The procedure involves the removal of extra skin around the lower abdomen. Typically, I make an incision from hip to hip. If necessary, I can reconstruct the navel, as well, so that it appears in a normal position. Drastic stretching of the midsection due to weight gain, loss, or pregnancy can also stretch apart the abdominal muscles, causing a bulge. In these cases, I can repair the muscles and join them together again to create a sound abdominal wall.

2. Breast lift or augmentation: After weight loss or pregnancy, breasts can lose volume, stretch, and begin to sag. With a breast lift, I can restore the nipple and tissue to a higher, more natural point on the chest and remove loose skin. I can resize the areolas at the same time in most cases. I can also combine a breast augmentation with a lift, adding implants to restore volume in the breasts, particularly in the upper portion.

3. Thigh lift: This common post-weight loss treatment is an effective way to lift and remove extra skin on the legs. It is very common among massive weight loss patients to have loose skin hanging from the inner and outer thighs that can be easily irritated when rubbing against clothing and other skin, particularly when exercising. By removing this skin, patients often experience much more comfort and a greater range of movement. They also feel more comfortable wearing swimsuits, shorts, or skirts and tend to feel more confident.

4. Arm lift: The arms can be one of the areas that post-weight loss patients are most concerned about because common clothing items such as T-shirts and dresses cannot easily conceal extra skin left on the upper arms. An arm lift removes extra skin around the bicep area. You can see a visual explanation of this treatment in this video as I explain how the procedure has been improved over the past several years and why it’s such an effective solution today.

5. Facelift: Facelifts are known to rejuvenate aging faces, making people look years younger and much more refreshed. After weight loss, it’s common for people of any age to experience loose skin along the lower face, creating jowls and a sagging neck. A facelift can pull the loose skin upward, tightening it and creating a youthful but still natural-looking result. Additionally, the technology used to perform facelift procedures is less invasive now than ever before, so downtime lasts a few days and patients can return to their normal activities after about a week.

The results of weight loss vary greatly between every patient. The amount of weight lost, body structure, desired results, lifestyle, and so many other factors make each case unique. Sitting down for a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the first, and most important step, toward restoring the body in a safe, customized way.

If you’d like more information about choosing a top plastic surgeon, visit my previous blog post. Or if you’re ready to learn what might work for you, give us a call at (502) 899-9979 to meet with me or Dr. Mizuguchi in person. We can help you choose the right treatments for your needs to help you reach your goals.

We’re well into December and can safely say winter has arrived, at least here at our Kentucky plastic surgery practice. Whether you’re excited about the chilly weather or not looking forward to bundling up, your skin is going to begin feeling the effects of this season’s weather very soon. As the dry air cools down, our skin tends to lose moisture and suppleness, making fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominent. Here are 3 common concerns that BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport® can alleviate during winter in Louisville, keeping you looking fresh and youthful for all those holiday photos.

1. Crow’s feet: If you think the wrinkles around your eyes appear to be deeper than they did a few short months ago, you might be right. The sun’s glare off snow, ice, and water causes us to squint our eyes to see better. With the sun sitting low in the sky during this winter season, we’re forced to squint throughout the day, aggravating the eye area and causing crow’s feet to stand out. This area can be treated with a small amount of BOTOX or Dysport to relax the muscles and effectively reduce the depth and appearance of these lines.

2. Smile lines: With all the holidays and celebrations this season, you’re probably spending extra time smiling and laughing. Those actions help to deepen smile lines, and wind and cold can cause even greater damage as cheeks become wind-burned and skin dries out. The combination of these factors has a compounded effect on smile lines. Fortunately, this area can also be treated with BOTOX or Dysport. These injectables prevent these muscles from becoming so tight and strained and help make moisturizing and hydrating treatments work more effectively.

The brow: Again, glare from the sun causes us to furrow our brows, accentuating the “angry 11” lines between the eyebrows. As our hair and neck are often covered by scarves and hats during winter, extra attention is focused on the eyes. These lines make signs of aging made more noticeable this time of year. Treating these lines with BOTOX or Dysport reduce the appearance of the angry 11 and make patients’ faces appear as relaxed and happy as they really feel!

BOTOX and Dysport are versatile treatments that we use in a number of areas where fine lines and wrinkles are often found. Your board-certified plastic surgeon, nurse injector, or other member of our team will determine the proper injection area and amount needed to meet your goals.

If you’re interested in learning how BOTOX or Dysport can help your skin this winter, or you’re ready for a follow-up treatment, contact CaloSpa online or by phone at (502) 814-3000.

Making the decision to get breast augmentation is a very exciting moment. While you’re probably eager to see your results as soon as you can, the first step is considering the variety of options available to you, especially when it comes to breast implants. As plastic surgeons, we have made it a priority to offer multiple implant options at our practice in Louisville, and we understand you may feel overwhelmed. Luckily, we’re here to help you understand all the key factors.

Here are my simple, honest explanations to 5 popular questions about breast implants. Remember that each woman’s body, lifestyle, and needs are different, so your choices should always be unique to you. With the help of your board-certified plastic surgeon, you’ll be able to make the decisions that are best for you.

1. Which size should I choose? It’s important to be aware that breast implants are measured in volume by cubic centimeters (cc), not by bra cup size. This is because each patient’s body shape and existing breast tissue are different. For example, a 300-cc size breast implant may achieve the cup size you desire, but it may result in a much larger cup size on a friend who has more existing breast tissue. During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Calobrace or I will help you determine what implant size is right for you through a few methods, including a sizing bra and VECTRA® 3-D Imaging. This system enables us to take photos of your body at different angles and create a 3-D simulation of what your breasts would look like with different sized implants. You can virtually adjust the size to give you a better understanding of your potential results. Many patients love this part of the process, which can help them narrow down their goals.

2. What are breast implants made of? There are 2 different materials that fill breast implants: saline and silicone. Each material feels slightly different and offers different benefits.

Saline: Available to women 18 years of age and older, this type of implant is filled with a sterile saltwater solution. The implants are inserted empty and filled with the saline solution after they are placed, which means only a very small incision is needed. Take a look at some patient results using saline implants here.

Silicone: These implants, available to women 22 years of age and older, contain a silicone gel created to mimic the feeling of real breast tissue, and most people agree they do feel more natural. These implants are also often called “gummy bear” implants, because they are “form stable,” meaning they hold their shape even if they are compressed or torn, as a gummy bear candy would. At our practice, we often use Sientra® brand silicone implants. They are available only to board-certified plastic surgeons and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures, enabling us to customize results for each woman’s individual preferences. View our before-and-after gallery to see the results of these implants.

3. What are the different shapes? There are 2 main shapes of implants available: round and anatomically shaped. Each creates different results.

Round: Round implants are circular in shape, projecting outward symmetrically. They are often a good choice for patients who are interested in filling out the upper breast for a more dramatic transformation and more cleavage.

Shaped: Shaped implants, also called “anatomically shaped” and “teardrop-shaped,” are created to look more like a natural breast, with more volume in the lower portion of the implant. These are good choice for patients who want a more subtle result and who are happy with the shape of their existing breasts.

4. What is a textured implant? Breast implants are available with either a smooth or textured external surface, each with different benefits.

Smooth: Because of their smooth surface, these implants can move freely within the breast capsule. This provides a nice look because the implants move naturally when the woman moves.

Textured: Textured implants are covered with tiny, soft bumps that encourage tissue to adhere more securely to the implant, preventing it from moving. All anatomically shaped implants have a textured surface because it’s important they don’t rotate. Round implants can be either smooth or textured. Some studies have shown a textured surface may help prevent a complication called capsular contracture, which occurs when an excess of scar tissue tightens around an implant.

5. How do I make the right decisions? As you collect further information about breast augmentation, be sure to write down questions to ask your surgeon during your consultation. At this appointment, we will discuss your health, body, and desired results to help answer your questions and choose the best implant options for you.

Dr. Calobrace and I believe it is important for patients to understand all of their options before undergoing a breast augmentation. To learn more about implants, surgery steps, and the recovery process, I encourage you to explore the breast augmentation section of our website. Or, if you’re ready to move forward and discuss these options in person, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Giving birth to children, genetics, or just the natural aging process can change vaginal anatomy. These changes are very common, but can sometimes lead to daily and sexual discomfort. Luckily, there are options available for vaginal rejuvenation, such as labiaplasty and now, ThermiVa.

Recently released and FDA approved, ThermiVa has created quite the buzz in the plastic surgery industry, with women experiencing its results after only a few simple, nonsurgical treatments. We are excited to offer this new treatment here at our practice and are sharing 5 benefits of ThermiVa.

Nonsurgical: The ThermiVa treatment is nonsurgical, so it does not require any anesthesia, numbing shots, or creams. There is little to no pain or downtime associated with the treatment, so patients can resume their daily activities immediately. During the treatment a smooth, disposable, hand-held wand is used to emit radiofrequency waves. These waves are released in a calculated method, allowing the practitioner to control the temperature of the treatment and ensure patients are comfortable.

Tightness: The radiofrequency waves used to tighten and tone skin on the face in the ThermiRF™ treatment are the same as those used in ThermiVa. The treatment can be used for both the vaginal area and labia majora. Over time, the treatment will continuously tighten stretched or loose tissue in those areas.

Incontinence: A lesser-known benefit of the treatment is that it may assist with incontinence. This issue, which effects many women after childbirth or as a result of aging, can be treated with ThermiVa’s tissue tightening benefits. Patients have reported improved muscular coordination around the bladder.

Sexual function: During clinical trials, some patients reported that the tightened vaginal tissue resulting from the treatment provided them with improved sexual stimulation during intercourse. Additionally, some experienced increased vaginal moisture during intercourse.

Treatment time: The treatment can treat both labia majora and vaginal areas in about 30 minutes. This makes it easy for busy patients to receive the treatment and quickly carry on with their daily lives. Maintenance treatments are recommended once or twice per year, depending on the patient, and these treatments will be just as quick and easy.

At CaloAesthetics, we’re passionate about helping women feel comfortable and confident in their bodies. We are expertly trained to administer the ThermiVa treatment, and are excited about the results this treatment can offer. If you would like to hear more about the treatment from real patients, you can read the product’s reviews on RealSelf.com. If you’re interested in finding out if you are a candidate for ThermiVa contact us online, and we’ll work with you to schedule a consultation.

The growing popularity of breast augmentation procedures in the United States has led companies to release a wide variety of different sizes and styles of breast implants. One of the most popular choices for breast implants here at our Louisville practice are Sientra® implants, and for good reason.

Here are 3 reasons why Sientra is a great choice, and why Dr. Calobrace and I use them so often.

True Texture®: The True Texture feature, unique to Sientra brand implants, is a state-of-the-art textured surface that helps to prevent rippling and keeps implants in their proper position after insertion. Sientra brand implants also come with a guarantee against capsular contracture, a rare condition that occurs when scar tissue builds up around the breast implant, causing it to harden and create potential discomfort.

Natural look and feel: As I’ve discussed in a previous blog post, many patients seeking breast augmentation desire a natural looking result. Sientra implants are widely believed to look and feel more like natural breast tissue than other types of implants due to the high-quality silicone gel they’re made of. The gel is also form-stable, meaning it does not change shape.

Variety of styles: Sientra offers a variety of different implant shapes and sizes. In addition to a range of volume options, patients may choose between anatomical and round shaped implants. Round implants are available with or without True Texture and come in a variety of sizes. Anatomical, or shaped implants, come in 3 base sizes and a range of projections to choose from, all available with True Texture technology.

Although there are many different implant brands, sizes, and style options, your board-certified plastic surgeon will provide you with more information and help you determine the implant that is best for your body type and desired results. If you are interested in augmentation we encourage you to contact us at our office for more information.

Summer vacation is meant to be relaxing, right? Well, we know that for many, the season can be anything but calm. So let’s make this the time for all of you parents, grandparents, and caregivers to give yourself a little TLC. Whether you prefer a topical skin treatment or injectable such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, our CaloSpa locations in Louisville and Lexington have the perfect treatment options for you. Here are 3 of our favorite ways for you to treat yourself this month:

Sculptra® Aesthetic: If you haven’t tried this restorative filler, now is the time! Sculptra adds suppleness and fills in deep creases such as smile lines. By restoring volume, it can help you appear more youthful and relaxed in just a few treatments. If you’re interested in trying it, or already love it, then you’re in luck: Sculptra is one of our August specials! Purchase a 4-vial kit before Aug. 31, 2015, and receive a free syringe of Restylane® Silk!

BOTOX® Cosmetic: Do the wrinkles and creases around your eyes and brows seem deeper than before the summer began? If you feel like all that smiling and squinting has aged your face, it may be time to give BOTOX a try. This ever-popular injectable is one of our favorites. It has been proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and helps your face look relaxed and rejuvenated.

Microdermabrasion: One of the most simple yet effective ways to refresh your skin is with microdermabrasion. This facial treatment removes dead, dried skin cells from the surface and pores of your skin to reveal the young, healthy skin below. Plus, it can help reduce age spots, smooth the surface of your skin, and give your skin the glow it needs to feel like new again.

Here’s a little bonus info about all 3 of these treatments: they require no downtime. You can return to your daily routine immediately, so you won’t miss a beat! You’ve worked hard all summer — now is your chance to do something for you!

Here at CaloAesthetics Plastic Surgery Center, body contouring options are so much more diverse than liposuction. Our Louisville patients enjoy a wide array of choices to fit their individual needs, whether it’s reducing a small area of fat with minimal downtime or a more intensive transformation of multiple parts of the body.

If you’re researching a body contouring procedure, we recommend asking the 5 following questions as a good starting point during a consultation. Here, we’ll review the answers to each question as they apply to some of our most popular body contouring procedures — both surgical and non-surgical.

1. How long does it take?

Learning how long a procedure takes to complete can help you plan your time and decide whether a procedure jibes with your lifestyle. For example, a tummy tuck can require that you be under general anesthesia for 2 or 3 hours. On the other hand, CoolSculpting®, a non-invasive procedure that’s performed in-office, typically takes only an hour per treatment area.

2. How dramatic are the results?

Of course, good results from any aesthetic procedure are paramount, so learning exactly what kind of results you can expect from each option can help you narrow down your choices. Liposuction and its variations, including SAFELipo®, remove fat from a specific area of the body. Although these procedures aren’t ideal for large-volume fat reduction, they’re excellent for “spot reducing” some of our patients’ most stubborn bulges. On the other hand, tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and tightens muscles in addition to reducing fat, creating a deep improvement across various layers of the abdomen. Combining treatments such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, and a thigh lift would of course be a more significant transformation. How dramatic the results are is really up to you.

3. Can body contouring treatments tighten skin?

In general, liposuction has not been shown to be effective at tightening skin. However, treatments that use light, heat, or other forms of energy, such as ThermiRF™, are specifically intended to tighten skin. ThermiRF, previously known as Symphony RF™, can be used all over the body, from loose skin along the jawline to the backs of the arms and more. And of course, a tummy tuck and other “lift” procedures (breast lift and thigh lift, for example) remove excess skin for a taut contour.

4. What is the recovery time?

Giving yourself enough time to recuperate safely at home is tantamount to getting a good result. Fortunately, non-invasive procedures including CoolSculpting and ThermiRF don’t require any sort of rest at home. Although you may feel some soreness, there’s no medical reason to avoid any of your favorite activities afterwards. On the other hand, more significant surgical procedures such as tummy tuck can necessitate 1 to 2 weeks of rest and restricted activity at home.

5. How long do the results last?

Although no cosmetic procedure can completely stop the aging process, some slow it down quite a bit. Due to the nature of fat, cells that are removed from the body (in procedures such as CoolSculpting and liposuction) will never return. The results of skin tightening procedures and surgery can last for many years, although results can vary depending on the significance of your procedure, your age, and other factors. In any case, maintaining a steady weight and practicing healthy diet and exercise habits after your procedure are the best ways to maintain your results for as long as possible.

Of course, the person to whom you’re asking these questions matters as much as the answers. By talking to a board-certified plastic surgeon who has ample experience with body contouring, you can ensure you’re getting the expertise you need to choose the perfect procedure for you.

]]>https://www.caloaesthetics.com/blog/body-procedures/liposuction-body-procedures/five-questions-body-contouring/feed/0Augmenting Results With Liposuctionhttps://www.caloaesthetics.com/blog/body-procedures/liposuction-body-procedures/augmenting-results-with-liposuction/
https://www.caloaesthetics.com/blog/body-procedures/liposuction-body-procedures/augmenting-results-with-liposuction/#respondMon, 22 Jun 2015 06:14:43 +0000http://www.calobrace.com/blog/?p=1737Continue reading ]]>Surgeons around the country keep finding more and better ways to use the fat from liposuction to help enhance other areas of the body. In the old days at our Louisville practice, we would simply discard the fat harvested from liposuction, but now we refer to it as “liquid gold” thanks to advances that enable us to use it to augment the face, hands, breasts, buttocks, and more. This procedure is commonly referred to as fat grafting or fat transfer.

Researchers have been experimenting with fat transfer techniques for many years, but it’s only recently that they’ve become truly effective. First, the surgeon uses a gentle form of liposuction to suck fat away from an area of the body where you don’t want it, such as the abdomen or thighs. Then, we purify that fat to remove any blood or other tissues, ensuring only healthy fat cells remain. Then, we inject the fat where you want it, carefully layering it for appealing contours. It’s a relatively simple process, and patients tend to be amazed at the natural-looking, soft results.

Let’s look at a couple of examples. Here, we see a patient who got a Brazilian Butt Lift, a procedure intended to give a more lifted, youthful look and rounder shape. In this patient’s case, we were able to harvest donor fat from various regions of her midsection and flanks and transfer it to her buttocks. As you can see, the procedure helped her obtain a fuller, more shapely behind while slimming down her abdominal and oblique regions. This gave the patient a feminine hourglass shape — without the need for implants or major incisions.

Another example shows how we use fat to fill in sunken regions of the face. Instead of using synthetic fillers for the patient shown here, which would have provided only temporary results, we used fat, which can last indefinitely. This patient was concerned about the tired look she had, as she had lost volume in the cheek area up to her lower eyelids. We performed fat transfer along with eyelid surgery to give her face the youthful plumpness seen in younger people. We frequently use fat to fill in the laugh lines, cheeks, lips, and area around the eyes. You can see that this patient looks more rested and youthful.

Fat can also be used to augment the breasts modestly or to make the hands look more youthful. The treatment options are growing as we continue to improve our techniques in this innovative surgery. To get the best results in these highly technical procedures, it’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon such as myself or Dr. Calobrace.

Have you ever dreamed of moving fat from one area of your body to another? Tell us about it in a comment below.